Stars of stage and screen will appear in the new stage adaptation of Peter James’ Wish You Were Dead in 2023.

The tour, which kicks off in Bromley in February, has announced its cast, including George Rainsford, Giovanna Fletcher and Clive Mantle.

The show will be at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley from Thursday, February 16 to Saturday, February 18 and will then visit the Orchard Theatre in Dartford from Tuesday, May 30 to Saturday, June 3.

The tour will also be at a number of venues across the country throughout the year. You can book tickets online here.

George Rainsford, best known for playing Ethan Hardy in BBC One’s Casualty for the past nine years, will be starring as Peter James’ notorious detective DSI Roy Grace.

“I can’t wait to be part of a theatre ensemble again and delve into Peter James’ thrilling criminal underworld,” says the Inside Soap Award winner. “Getting to play Roy Grace, his most renowned detective creation, will be a huge honour.”

George will be joined by author, podcaster and 2020 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here winner Giovanna Fletcher and Olivier Award-nominated actor Clive Mantle.

“I’m really excited to work with George and Clive - two wonderful actors I’ve heard great things about,” says Giovanna, who has written a number of novels including the Eve of Man series with husband Tom Fletcher. “As a novelist, I know how important the characters I create are to me, so I’m thrilled Peter James has entrusted me with this wonderful role.”

Giovanna will star as Cleo Morey for the first leg of the tour, until Coronation Street actor Katie McGlynn takes over the role from Tuesday, May 2 - which means the 2021 Strictly Come Dancing celeb will be in the show for its Dartford run.

Wish You Were Dead is the sixth of the best-selling crime writer’s novels to be adapted for the stage.

Peter James’ previous works performed on the stage include Looking Good Dead, the House on Cold Hill and Not Dead Enough.

“I am beyond thrilled with the wonderful cast that we have assembled for the world stage premiere of Wish You Were Dead,” says the novelist. “It is going to be very exciting to work with this great group of actors and I can’t wait for them to give audiences around the country a thrilling, fun and hugely entertaining night at the theatre.”

Wish You Were Dead will be at 22 theatres across the UK next year from Thursday, February 16 until Saturday, July 29.